- casualSTEM
- Posts
- Octo-Babies | Monkey Boost | Pest Hunter
Octo-Babies | Monkey Boost | Pest Hunter
Issue #108
If you, too, are still thrown off by the Tuesday holiday…yes, today is Saturday.
Congrats, you made it to the weekend!
-Steve
Get the weekly email that explains science in sweatpants. Stay smart for free.
Octo-Babies
Researchers may have discovered a new octopus species along with their breeding ground. Bringing the known octopus nursery count to a whopping total of 3.
Depth: 9,200’
Brooding octopuses gather near low-temp hydrothermal vents
Found using a ROV (remote operated vehicle)
Octopus brooding behavior is relatively unknown, but some do so for up to 53 months. Researchers will monitor this site to better understand our tentacled friends and possibly classify a new species. Suuure, not because octo-babies are cute…
Quick! (poll)Have you seen the "My Octopus Teacher" documentary? |
Check out last week’s results in “Unnatural Selection” below
Monkey Boost
Monkey-memory boosting injections could find their way to humans. Injecting a “longevity factor” protein can improve cognitive function.
Longevity factor protein = klotho
Naturally occurring, declines with age
Increases neural communication
Monkeys scored ~15% better on memory tests after injection. Scientists believe further study could lead to treatment for neurodegenerative diseases in humans. (behind the scenes: my brain’s instant gratification monkey wrote this last)
Pest Hunter
Mini-drones may soon defend our homes from mosquitoes. Developed to identify and eliminate harmful insects from greenhouses, PATS drone system was inspired by itchy-intruders.
PATS-C uses infrared camera to ID harmful insects
PATS-X targets and flies into them for termination
Wirelessly recharge on landing pad between missions
PATS drones promise a cleaner and safer alternative to pesticides in the fight against agricultural pests. Researchers are currently fine-tuning PATS-X before release later this year. I am SO ready for them to go back to mosquito hunting.

Clickables
🥸 E-reading glasses - “Noise-cancelling for your eyes”
💤 Pokémon Sleep app provides THE pro sleep coach, Snorlax
🏍️ Go 0-430 mph in 5 seconds on a steam-powered bike
⭐️ Stars proving why they’re the OG fireworks (#8 is just 🤯 )

st3v on site
Batdrone
Even knowing Batman’s secret identity, st3v was still thrown off by PATS-X’s tech demo.

Unnatural Selection
This will normally be last week’s question.
But since this is our first week, we can just hang out. Congrats on that thing you got done the other day btw! Solid work 😉

Forward to a friend!
Get the weekly email that explains science in sweatpants. Stay smart for free.
Missed last week’s science in sweatpants?
Catch-up here: 🔬 Camofish | Space Pee | Wormy Flight
I'd love to hear from you!
Reply to this email or reach out on Twitter @_steveburgess. I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions!
Reply